I’ve updated Kelpen for 2022 with a major expansion to the size range - Knit On!

A casual tunic tee featuring a deep V-shaped back neckline with twisted cord ties, Kelpen is a simple topdown seamless knit from provisionally cast on shoulders. Stockinette stitch with no body shaping and a textured, drapey yarn focus attention on the details; the wide front and deep back neckline are finished with a casual rolled edge, and ribbing forms the short cap sleeves. Casual for daytime or just enough to keep off a summer evening chill, Kelpen is easily adjusted for length, and can also be worn with the V-neck to the front - just omit the ties or tuck them inside.

Construction: Kelpen is cast on provisionally at each back shoulder and worked back and forth with deep V-neckline shaping, then joined and worked to the armhole depth where the back is put on hold. Each front is then worked from the provisionally cast on shoulder stitches with a wide boat neckline, then joined and worked to the armhole depth. Front and back are united, with stitches cast on for the underarm, then worked in the round to a tunic length, finished with a wide K1P1 rib bottom hem. Stitches are picked up around the armhole and worked in matching K1P1 rib; the neckline is finished by picking up stitches all around, and working a narrow rib finished with a rolled edge. Twisted cord ties are created and attached at the back neck to hold the neckline in place.

Techniques & Skills Used: provisional CO, backwards loop CO, knit/purl, increasing, picking up stitches, twisted cord.

Size: 32 (34, 36, 38, 42, 44, 48, 52, 56, 60)” bust. For a relaxed but neat fit, choose a size with 0-1” positive ease; sample shown in second size worn with no ease.

Yarn: The Fibre Company Acadia (60% merino, 20% silk, 20% alpaca; 145 yards/133m/50g), shown in Kelp; 7 (7, 8, 9, 10, 10, 11, 12, 13, 15) skeins, or approximately 950 (1000, 1100, 1175, 1325, 1425, 1575, 1750, 1900, 2050) yards of wool/silk/alpaca blend DK weight yarn.

Other Materials: US 5 (4mm) 32” circular needle; US 4 (3.5mm) 16” circular needle or 32” circular needle if using Magic Loop, for neckline and armhole edging; Stitch markers (2); Stitch holders; Yarn needle.

Gauge: 20 st and 30 rows/4” in stockinette stitch with larger needle, after blocking.

Thank you to my lovely test knitters and my wonderful tech editor Kate Vanover.